Pura Vida 2009

Pura Vida

2009-05-05T09:24:00.002-04:00

My senior service learning trip to Costa Rica was an amazing experience for me personally. In Costa Rica I participated in adventurous activities that I thought I was never capable of doing.I learned so much about myself on this trip and I was truly amazing with the emotional transformation that I had. My road to Costa Rica wasn't a very nice one, I had to over come so many obstacles. First my parents were very unsettled with letting me leave the country without a guardian, which lead to a late decision. My parents finally decided that I could go but they sure made it hard for me. I had one requirement and that was that I had to fund raise my student contribution all on my own.And as if that wasn't an obstacle in itself I had less that two months to do it.And on top of that I had all these fears that I had to overcome. I mean I had a true test of my heart. In my heart I really wanted to go on this trip but in my mind I could only think about the negative. So I had a lot of stuff going on within myself before we even left for Costa Rica.But when I got to Costa Rica everything was worth it, all of the tears I shed, every sleepless night I had, every strand of grey hair, it was all worth it. It was so worth the amazing smiles of the children at the orphanage, it was worth it give them something that don't experience everyday, it was worth it to give them the attention that they not only needed but deserved. This trip was not only life changing it was heart changing every single experience I had truly touched the bottom of my heart. I mean to have I child that has been neglected by his parents trust you is truly mind boggling to me.To have a little boy kiss me on the cheek and say thank you is something that I will keep with me forever because I think that, that one moment might have changed my life. I wish every upcoming senior class all the luck in the world with their service learning trip because if their trip is only half of what mine was then they will be shaped into some of the worlds most amazing people. So I pass the torch to the class of 2010. May the Costa Rican Gods be with you. lol
Pura Vida
Isia Williamson

2009-05-01T00:25:00.001-04:00

Mrs. Harting April 30, 2009

Costa Rica is agreeing with all of us. India and Isia conquered their fear of bridges by walking over a suspension bridge. David rescued a black monkey while kayaking on the river by guiding it to shore with his paddle. The sights and sounds are exotic as well as breathtaking with the deep fuchsia and blue colors of the butterflies and birds. The aesthetics are definitely breathtaking of this Central American country.

2009-04-30T13:50:00.003-04:00

Mrs. Dobie April 29, 2009

Pura Vida desde Costa Rica!

This is the singing-est group, we get nonstop entertainment on our journeys. Our trip, thus far, has been awesome. The visits at the orphanage and the school have affected the seniors to their core. They came away with the sense of contentment and accomplishment from their interactions with the children. They freely and whole-heartedly shared their love and talents, and when they shared their thoughts in the evening connections they expressed how humbled and grateful they were by these experiences. We have been reminded that sometimes what matters most is sharing some time and showing someone you care, language barrier and all. Today we went to the beach where once again fears were faced. There has been so much growing and self-discovery, as well as unity, that it has been truly touching for us to watch and share. This trip is everything we hoped it would be and I am extremely proud of them all. Know that when we return, we return changed in our cores. We have had a spiritual journey and we won’t forget.

Revised College Application Cover Letter

2009-04-30T08:43:00.004-04:00

Dear Sir,

I humbly request that you
reconsider my college application
based on the following:

- My mother's heart beats in my chest.
It is immune to econimic shifts.
It beats slowly and with purpose.

- Recently I saw the Pacific for the first time.
I did not hesitate. I charged it;
even though I cannot swim.

- My father's blood surges through my veins.
He placed a piston in my gut that
will not relent. I cannot be tackled.

Yours Truly,
K.nock O.ut

Indiana Academic Standard - C.R. - 12.4.30

2009-04-30T08:37:00.003-04:00

Students must understand that
the sins of their ancestors
are not their own.
They are to now live
out the rest of their
lives guilt free and
without remorse
for ever and ever.
Amen.

2009-04-29T10:48:00.001-04:00

Benny- April 28^th, 2009

Today in Costa Rica we had to wake up early in the morning to get ready to leave the Selva Verde Lodge, because we had to take a five hour bus ride to get to Punta Leona. Along the way we passed a lot of the things that we saw on our way from San Jose to Selva Verde, because we had to backtrack, since the road that is a straight shot to Punta Leona was damaged by the earthquake. Along the way we stopped at a few soveniour shops, and saw some items that are made for tourists, but are native to Costa Rica including some really nice things made from a beautiful selection of wood. For lunch we stopped at a little market that happened to serve a selection of food that is already cooked and ready to go. We also stopped at a river where we were able to see a large group of crocodiles, but not up close; we stayed far away on top of a bridge. Where we are staying now is hotter temperature wise, but the humidty is a little lower which makes it much more tolerable than the rain forest. While we were here I was able to see the Pacific ocean for the first time in my life, and it is the first ocean that I have ever seen in real life. We swam in the pool for most of the day, and near sunset a few of us went to the beach which was a pretty awesome experience to see the sun setting and all that you can see is water and some nearby trees, and the sun setting. That is how our day in Costa Rica was.

2009-04-28T20:33:00.004-04:00

Photos compliments of Darius

2009-04-28T20:30:00.002-04:00

Mrs.Calwell, April 28, 2009

It’s hard to believe that our trip is over half over. All of the kids are doing such an amazing job. They are not a complaining group. And they are willing to try everything. Just watching them explore and thoroughly get into their surroundings is so wonderful. Everyone who has contributed to them being here should know that they have contributed to a beautiful experience that they will never forget.

Parents, you should know that your “young adults” are being courteous and grateful. They were so caring at the orphanage and the school. And ALL of us worked very hard in the hot sun and 110% humidity planting almond trees. I hope everyone is checking out the photographs on our blog, because I think you can see the pure joy in everyone’s eyes. These are your kids and you should be so proud of them.

Pura Vida to everyone.

2009-04-28T09:23:00.001-04:00

Kendall April 27, 2009 7:17

I am so glad that I agreed to go on this trip. I believe this is a trip that has affected me in realistic way. The things I have seen in Costa Rica were real; not on a TV or in a book that Ms. Dobie showed us. It was real to the touch. It affects you when you see it fist hand. I am seeing it first hand and I am enjoy it.

Today the senior class and I visited a school. The children were smiling in uniform as we approached the school. You could hear Spanish whispering all around you. Thinking what are they saying with that glowing smile on their face? I leaned toward Benny to ask them what are they saying? He replies “They are saying, why he so tall” I laughed and smiled.

Once we had everything up and ready for the children, we started to make crowns and necklaces for the kids. I loved every moment even though I was feeling sick. I still pushed on making things and giving out clothes. It wasn’t about me or the group; it was about the kids and their smiles. I enjoy giving the children a smile for a short time. I wish it was for a longer time then a day.

Then shortly after we got done with the children and the school, some of the senior class went river rafting. I was thinking before I got in the boat, “Why I am doing this? I can’t even swim!” Once we got in the water and started going I was great. If you haven’t done river rafting yet in your life, you should go and you will have a wonderful time with whom ever you go with.

2009-04-28T09:22:00.000-04:00

David April 27, 2009 6:48

The trip thus far has been a life altering experience; every day has been a new challenge that the group has conquered. We’ve worked hard and had strong connections everywhere we have been. The school and orphanage have had the biggest impact. The weather is fantastic and everything is beautiful. Today we went on the white water rafting trip, where I was paired with a guide alone, due to my rafting experience. His named was Roberto and he was very informative about the nature, history and culture of Costa Rica. The highlight of the rafting trip was spotting and saving a Howler Monkey from the river with Roberto. I am absolutely adoring Costa Rica and know my further journey will lead me to extraordinary experiences.

Just Before Death

2009-04-26T22:10:00.000-04:00

Water rushes over rocks,

kicks up mist.

The mist catches a beam.

A prism is born.

A rainbow in the jungle.

This happens every day.

When a dream is forgotten -

a rainbow in the jungle.

When a love is lost -

a rainbow in the jungle.

When a child is exploited -

a rainbow in the jungle.

When a women is alone -

a rainbow in the jungle.

As a man draws his last breath -

a rainbow in the jungle.

Darius Away From the Helm

2009-04-26T22:05:00.000-04:00

When all the cameras

are away, out of focus,

and out of power -

a brown orphan kicks a ball

to a black man from

a different world.

They will never see each other

again.

It is designed to be this way.

Capitol Market

2009-04-26T21:57:00.000-04:00

Capitol Market

We drank in the odors...

Orchids, lilies, cilantro,

Chamomile, aloe, ginger,

Fungus, raw chicken, cold fish,

leather, bird droppings, sweat.

We didn't buy anything.

We didn't speak to each other.

We were lost, drunk with wonderment.

2009-04-26T09:58:00.000-04:00

India April 26, 2009 9:45AM

Yesterday was such a blast. The weather here has been so nice…It only rained a little bit last night. We went to the orphanage and threw them a party. It was amazing how much cookies and Coke excited the kids. There were some really interesting cultural questions brought up by the way some of the kids acted, but they were just being kids. OOHHH!!! And I met another little boy named Axl at the orphanage! This lodge is so much better than the hotel we stayed in, in San Jose. Mrs. Harting and I woke up at five this morning and I got some beautiful pictures of frogs. There are banana and pineapple trees right outside our room! The Sarapaqui runs right next to the lodge also and it is beautiful. I am contemplating whether or not I want to go white-water rafting tomorrow. I can’t wait to start our re-forestation project this morning!

2009-04-25T23:05:00.001-04:00

Isia- April 25, 2009 5:01pm

Today was so amazing. And that isn’t an exaggeration. We got to go to an orphanage and do activities with the children. I felt so attached to the children by the time we left. The most difficult thing for me was the language barrier and that sucked but I had my own way of communication.lol. Children will always have a special place in my heart due to this experience. OMG I am so sad that we had to leave and I really want to eventually come back and do more service work that revolves around different orphanages. I am completely amazed at how much I have experienced in this short period of time. I miss my mommy. I hope that she isn’t too stressed about me because I am just fine. And I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

2009-04-25T22:56:00.000-04:00

Jordan M: Today was so awesome! I am loving it here in Costa Rica. Today we went to the orphanage and got to play with the kids. It was so fun. The kids there are so grateful and easy to please, despite their present circumstances and living situations. Many of the children that are there have been taken away from abusive homes and neglectful parents, but great thing about them is that you would never know by the way they act. They’re just innocent kids living and enjoying life. I was so sad to leave because I really felt like I made a connection with them. It feels so good to have done something good for someone else, I only wish we could have done more.

2009-04-25T11:39:00.000-04:00

India April 25, 2009 10:53AM

It’s about 8:53AM here. I’m surprised that I’m not feeling the time change. My eyes were so tired when we got to the San Jose airport from staring so hard out the window. The clouds were beautiful, the sunset, then you could see the city lights twinkling, and then the stars were out! I was so amazed. I have so many pictures out the window of the plane because it was so beautiful. Customs went very smooth and we had no troubles. This hotel is so wonderful! There was a swan towel on the bed when we got here and the view out of our window was fantastic when we went to the bed. At night all we could see was the pool and the flowers, but when we got up this morning we could see the entire city and the mountain behind it! The breakfast this morning was fantastic. I have that I don’t care for papaya much. It has a very fatty, oily taste, which was odd to me. It wasn’t nasty, but I wasn’t in love with it. There is fresh fruit everywhere…I think I am in heaven. We are headed to the orphanage this morning and I am thrilled. Getting a little home-sick already but thoroughly enjoying myself.

2009-04-25T01:10:00.000-04:00

Isia April 24, 2009-9:50

I did so much better on the second flight from Atlanta to Costa Rica. It seemed to be a lot easier. I like the more relaxed setting of this airplane a lot. I think that that was part of the reason I was so calm. This day really took a lot out of me it’s like the day’s events will never end. I’m really tired and sleepy but my body refuses to go to sleep on the plane. I guess I‘m not that comfortable yet. Lol. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. I’m super excited.lol

2009-04-25T01:07:00.000-04:00

India 9:40pm 4-24

This day has been amazing. We haven’t even made it to Costa Rica yet but I have had a blast. I had my first touch of homesickness in the Atlanta airport talking to Axl, but I am still very excited. As much as we have had to do today, everything seems to be going very quickly. I have kidnapped Jordan’s hat today J because honestly, it was made for me! Haha. A little nervous about going through customs when we get to San Jose, but so ready for everything!

2009-04-25T01:03:00.000-04:00

Darius- Friday April 24,2009

It’s about 3:39pm and I’m sitting next to Kendall. This is Kendall’s very first plane ride and he seems to be doing fine! And me, well I’m just taking this all in because flying for me is amazing! When you’re up in the air it’s a whole different world. 3:40 pm Kendall’s ear is really starting to hurt and I’m trying my very best to give him some pointers on how to make it go away! 3:51 pm- all better nowJ

9:05PM I must say that this has been a very fun filled day, from the very short but fun bus ride to the airport, to standing in line for 10 min just to get a slice of pizza and a small drink, and just being able to be with such a great group of people is all right with me. My fellow class mates, I want you all to know that this is such a great opportunity for me to be able to enjoy this trip with you. This is only the beginning of this fun filled trip we are about to enjoy. For some of us, this may be a once in a life to chance to do something so amazing.

2009-04-25T01:02:00.000-04:00

Isia- Friday, April 24,2009, 3:27 pm

OMG… The plane takeoff from Indy to Atlanta was so INTENSE for me. I’ve never experienced so many emotions at one time. But ultimately I am thrilled that I overcame this fear. I’m still really nervous about our next flight but I will be happy when we finally get to Costa Rica. I miss my mommy already. I’ve never been away from her for this long before. It sucks. I wish she could have come. I know that she would’ve enjoyed herself. Well I guess that can be my mission in life: to bring my mom and step-dad to Costa Rica one day when I’m all rich and famous. lol

2009-04-25T00:58:00.000-04:00

India- Friday, April 24, 2009, 3:19 PM

I am psyched! Looking out the window of the plane was awesome. It still hasn’t hit me that we are going to another country…or that I’m writing a blog while on a plane…J I can’t wait to get there. The airport was kinda boring, and it will be a long time before I bring myself to pay $3.69 for a pack of Altoids! Definitely not the way my momma raised me. It amazes me that just a few months ago I wasn’t going to go on this trip and now I am so glad that I did. We have all been running around like crazy today, all but three of us first time fliers, but it all went pretty smooth considering. Can’t wait to experience more new things! <<>>